The Peloponnesian War : Athens, Sparta and the struggle for Greece
The Peloponnesian War, the epic struggle between Athens and Sparta, occupies a vital part in military history because of the enormous military and political changes it inspired. In this brilliant book, Sir Nigel Bagnall sets out to analyze and clarify the war, describing in compelling detail the events that led up to it. His meticulous attention to historical context offers a refreshing contrast to traditional accounts. The conflict lasted from 431 to 404 B.C., until the confederation led by Sparta finally conquered Athens and her allies. Bagnall dissects the complex relationship between the two states and closely studies their political conduct in the run-up to war, offering a riveting account of the strategy and tactics involved. He also outlines its innovations and lessons, which would have enormous military repercussions for future generations. These include the importance of having clear politico-strategic objectives, the interplay of maritime and land operations, and the problems of achieving cohesion in an alliance in which all the participants see themselves as fellow citizens
Print Book, English, 2006
1st U.S. ed View all formats and editions
Thomas Dunne Books, New York, 2006
History
xviii, 318 pages : map ; 24 cm
9780312342159, 0312342152
63297868
The Greeks and their background
The Persians and their background
The expeditions of Mardonius and Darius 493-490 BC
Xerxes invades 480 BC
The inter-war years 480-431 BC
The central theatre 431-423 BC
The overseas theatres 431-423 BC
An unquiet peace 421-415 BC
The expedition to Sicily 415 BC
Gylippus turns the tide 414-413 BC
Persian intervention and political unrest in Athens 413-411 BC
The struggle for the Hellespont and the fall of Athens 411-404 BC